The 37th Annual Sourwood Festival takes place on August 9 & 10, 2014 in Black Mountain, “The Little Town That Rocks.”

“Sourwood” is a free, non-alcoholic, family-oriented festival with over 200 vendor booths, free entertainment, children’s area, and more. Local residents and visitors from all over the Southeast enjoy the festival so much, they return year after year.

This year’s festival items include gourd art, pet treats and accessories, jewelry, art, photography, pottery and glass, hand-turned wood bowls, birdhouses, and plants. Children’s items include toys, books, clothes, hair bows, and novelty items.

The array of food and drink at Sourwood satisfies every taste. Foods include festival favorites – blooming onions, funnel cakes, cheese cakes on a stick, gyros, turkey legs, philly cheese steaks, ribbon fries, fried apple pies, home-made ice cream and more; as well as delicious new foods – grilled kebabs, crab cake sandwiches, grilled shrimp, cream of crab soup, and many vegetarian options.

Free entertainment in the big tent includes old favorites as well as exciting, new performers: bluegrass, country, folk, cloggers, square dancers, gospel, and rock & roll – a different act about every 30 minutes. Performers are regional artists who donate their talents for the pleasure of festival attendees.

Carnival rides by TCS Amusements include a Ferris wheel, swings, merry-go-round, and tempest ride. There will also be a rock climbing wall, moon walk, and other fun children’s activities and free games in the Kids Fun Park.

Got talent?

The Sourwood Idol Contest is an amateur singing competition that opens the festival on Friday, August 8 at 7 p.m. The contest is open to non-professional individual singing performers with no entry fee and the chance to win cash prizes.

While you’re in town for the festival, experience Black Mountain “The Little Town That Rocks.” Relax in one of our many rocking chairs displaying beautiful scenic photography from the area. Cool off in the new Town Square’s Rotary Splash Fountain, or sit by the waterfall. Black Mountain offers shops, galleries, and over 40 restaurants.

Visit www.exploreblackmountain.com for a complete guide to the area. For a festival map and a list of vendors please visit www.sourwoodfestival.com

If You Go: Sourwood Idol Contest, Friday, August 8 at the Big Tent next to the Depot from 7-10 p.m. Sourwood Festival, Saturday, August 9 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-669-2301.